LeBron James bests Michael Jordan and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in first game since turning 40

Lakers star man LeBron James once again etches himself in part of NBA history after a recent matchup against the Cavs.

LeBron James bests Michael Jordan and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in first game since turning 40

Michael Jordan, LeBron James and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

With a 122-110 victory on New Year’s Eve, the Cleveland Cavaliers added to their league-best record by making 3-pointers early and frequently against the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday. With 18 three-pointers made that night compared to the Lakers’ nine, Cleveland won the math game handily. Amidst this, Lakers star LeBron James still found a way to make headlines in the game.

Since turning 40 years old, James had the best stat line compared to NBA greats like Michael Jordan and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. In his first game, he recorded 23 points and 7 assists at (53% FG). In addition to James, Austin Reaves had a fantastic night, scoring 35 points, dishing out 10 assists, and pulling down nine rebounds, all of which tied his career high.

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Also, with 28 points and 13 rebounds, Anthony Davis recorded a double-double. Shake Milton and Dorian Finney-Smith both made their first appearances. Milton had two 3-pointers for six points, while DFS had two points on 1-4 shooting. Rui Hachimura, who finished with seven points, also had difficulty. Dalton Knecht had six points, while Max Christie had five points in the game.

Interestingly, despite the loss, many Lakers fans were left encouraged by Finney-Smith’s debut for the Lakers. On Sunday, the Lakers acquired Milton and Finney-Smith from the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Maxwell Lewis and D’Angelo Russell. At this stage of the season, the deal is surely a gamble with the Lakers’ management hoping that it pays off over time.

LeBron James made NBA History against Cavaliers

LeBron James‘ longevity is unmatched in the NBA. He has been performing consistently in the league for years. Most recently, the Los Angeles Lakers star turned 40 years old. Not only that but in his matchup with the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA, James created NBA history. Although his side lost, it did not prevent him from making history for himself.

After scoring in the Lakers’ Tuesday game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, James became the first player in NBA history to play in the league as a teenager and at the age of forty, according to a SportsCenter social media post. He made history just one day after his birthday.

Interestingly, James made history against his hometown Cavaliers, with whom he began his career. This was when they selected him No. 1 overall in the 2003 draft when he was 18 years old out of St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in Akron. This was the icing on the cake moment for him.